Here I post about all things fantasy and give tips on writing a book based on my experience. My three main books form a trilogy called the Prophecy of the Kings, a Gold Award Winning book, and I've also written Drachar's Demons. Happy to chat so please feel free to comment on any of my blogs. Good reading - David

Pages

Sunday, 25 September 2016

What Makes a Castle Look Lived In? Surprisingly, only a light touch needed.

OK, strange question but walking around Leeds Castle today they had a Flower Festival and it didn't half make the castle feel lived in. Castles are usually cold and sterile but a few flowers made the place seem more vibrant, as though the occupants from the 12th century were just about to pop around for tea (or mead??). Anyway, it was a nice touch. Perhaps a few dragons next time...

With winter looming (for all you Game of Thrones fans) it reminds me of the tradition of decorating halls with evergreen at Christmas (or Yule perhaps). That really brightens even the dullest room.

Legacy of the Eldric

Shadow of the Demon

David Burrows Bio

Hi all. I’m an avid reader of fantasy and count Tolkien, Irvine, Goodkind and
Rowling amongst my favourites. I am also keen on Saxon/Viking re-enactment
where I learned the brutal reality of fighting in a shield wall. I can tell you
it hurts and have cracked fingers and ribs on several occasions. That might
just be me being a clumsy fighter! Not sure - and I certainly hope that’s not
the case. :)

Writing has become my main hobby. I am a self published
author. This is not an easy route and I have come across many pitfalls along
the way. I’ve written a fantasy trilogy The Prophecy of the Kings, which
comprises Legacy of the Eldric, Dragon Rider and Shadow of the Demon - sample
chapters and reviews can be found on my website.That is the beauty of self publishing - I can
show you my work to let you decide if it’s for you. I have just written
Drachar’s Demons which I thoroughly enjoyed writing. I had help from Earmie, a
close friend - but living an ocean away. She has a terrific grasp of English
and helps me to fill in the gaps.

My work is getting some really excellent reviews. I think my books
will definitely appeal to core fantasy readers. In some reviews, Prophecy of
the Kings is being described as traditional fantasy. I guess that’s in a
similar vein to the Lord of the Rings. I’m not claiming it’s anywhere near as
good! I am a Tolkien fan through and through and he is definitely my
inspiration. Reviews are saying my work is different to his and the characters
and world I have created are unique to me.

The plot is complicated, but the books generally are
described as easy to read. Some reviewers want more in the way of character
development, although some reviewers really like my characters and are content
as is. I do enjoy hearing other people’s interpretations about my characters,
so not giving too much away is good sometimes.

Being self published, I rely on word of mouth, so if you
enjoyed my books please, please spread the word - on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter
or all of these! I need fans so join me and please spread the word.

My interest in fantasy started with Princess of Mars, The
Lord of the Rings. And probably Dune next! Motivated by LOTR I put pen to
paper, determined to create a story with bold characters and an intriguing
plot. The book's initial scene was a betrayal set deep in the heart of a
mountain. Encouraged by my friends, I started writing The Prophecy of the Kings
in the months during my wife’s pregnancy with the first of my two terrific
sons.

As with most aspiring authors, writing is part time, with
the plots progressing in the evenings and holidays. At times the PotK tale
seemed to naturally take the characters into extreme peril, and for months I
was left wondering as to their fate. Refusing to rewrite the tale to rescue
them I patiently waited before inspiration struck and the story continued at a
fast pace to the next cliff-hanger. Suffice to say my sons have now grown up
and, as the quill dries, are of an age to read and appreciate this work. As to
the characters in my tale, they too have grown older and wiser; as to whether
they survived the tale, only reading the novel will tell.